JULIEN NO TO HEARTS NEW OFFER

HEARTS star Julien Brellier has knocked back a new deal at Tynecastle and could quit at the end of the season.

The Jambos met with the FrenchV midfielder's representatives on the day of the recent SPL clash with Celtic and tabled a new two-year offer.

However, it was quickly rejected for failing to match what Brellier, 23, believes he is worth to the team.

He is now set to quit when his current deal expires at the end of the season, or maybe even sooner if Hearts decide to try to cash in on a prized asset.

However, Brellier has also left the door open for fresh contract talks, as long as Hearts significantly increase their initial offer.

The Jambos rescued Brellier from the fringes of Inter Milan's reserve squad last summer and offered him a 12-month deal with a 12-month option. He signed for what is believed to have been a modest salary in a bid to prove his worth on a bigger stage and now feels he should be rewarded for the form he showed in his first season.

However, Brellier's representatives have made it clear there is no fall-out with the Jambos and the player will continue to give his all when selected.

Agent Mauricio Di Giorgis said: "We had a meeting with the Hearts directors on the day of the game with Celtic and although they are interested in extending Julien's contract, their offer was not up to par.

"We're very far apart in our negotiations. Julien deserves a better contract and wants to be recognised for what he did last year.

"He will never be a Ronaldinho but his type is vital to any team because he brings wood to the fire.

"Perhaps Hearts will return later with another offer but we left on good terms and the club have assurances that Julien will continue to be a great asset to the team.

"He will happily play the rest of the season at Hearts but he will also happily play for another couple of seasons if agreement can be reached."

Taken from the Daily Record